Here’s the News:

New date for Picture DayPicture Day has been rescheduled for Thursday, April 19th. If payment and order forms have already been submitted, our office team will hold on to them until the day of the photos. An additional order form will come home just preceding April 19th.

PTO purchases new ChromebooksWe said we could do it with your help, and indeed we have succeeded! Thanks to the awesome Gator Gamble event in February, we raised the money needed to buy more new technology students use. The PTO board approved the purchase of 79 new Chromebook computers, and two new mobile carts – valued at approximately $22,000. They’ve already been ordered and we’ll let you know when they arrive at school. We are so thankful to everyone who helped support the Gator Gamble this year and helped to make this possible. Let’s keep working together to make more good things happen at Davidsonville Elementary School!

Reminder: Sign up for Spelling Bee preliminary roundsSign up today to take part in the 5th Annual DES School Spelling Bee. Students must participate in the Preliminary Rounds to advance to the Bee. Preliminaries will be held at 8 am in the cafeteria on: Mon., April 9 for Grades 2-3, and Tues., April 10 for Grades 4-5. Top 10 spellers from each grade will compete in the Spelling Bee. To register, e-mail Kasy Schnabel at: kasyschnabel@gmail.com. Include: Child’s name, grade, teacher, & parent name.

Reminder: Superstar Fitness registration openK-2nd graders are welcome to join the Superstar Kids Fitness program which begins April 13th and is held before school from 8:15-9:15 am. Find all the details on the flier and send in your registration form with payment to DES PTO, in an envelope marked “Superstar Fitness Program.” Contact Angie Mackey at: angiemackey01@gmail.com.See flier online

Reminder: LAST CALL for Yearbook ordersPresenting a very short extension to let everyone get their orders in. You must do so by March 31st. The cost is $18 for a non-personalized book. Ordering is online at: http://www.yearbookforever.com. All of the directions are included on the flier. Contact Steph Brooks at: tobgr8ful@gmail.com.See flier online

Reminder: Sign up for the Gator GallopBring everyone to DAA Park on Saturday, May 12th. The Gator Gallop is a fun run benefitting Davidsonville Elementary School and is open to everyone. Please join us for the 5K (8:00 am), 1 Mile (9:00 am for the kids) or the 100 yard gallop (just after the mile, for 2-11 year olds). Post-race refreshments, prizes and more. Register today at: http://bit.ly/2mqv3WV. You’ll be hearing much more about the event after spring break!

Reminder: Tennis registrationTennis sessions at DES will begin on April 13th for ages 7 and up. The classes will be held on Fridays after school, from 3:55-4:55. Cost is $99 for 6 weeks (April 13-May 18). Registration is online, but send in checks to the school office (marked for Tennis) and payable to DES PTO. Register at: http://tinyurl.com/DESTennis18.See flier online

Public Service Announcements:

Pass, Pick & Play program April 7thThe 2nd Annual “Pass, Pick & Play” sporting goods giveaway event will be held on Saturday, April 7th, 10 am to 3 pm at the Pip Moyer Recreation Center in Annapolis. Used sports equipment has been collected from community residents and groups, and now it will be given away to local youth in need. There will also be two free sports clinic (basketball & soccer). See flier for info.See the program event flier here

AACPS Budget information – How to get involvedThe DES PTO is attaching an information page about the recommended 2019 AACPS School Budget. There are links to learn more about the budget online, contact info. for the AA County Council, and a bit of commentary on all these matters. Please read the information and voice your opinion to the County Council at one of their public hearings in May. The DES PTO Board encourages our community to reach out to council members to support the proposed budget. If you have additional questions about how to be involved, you can contact your DES PTO Board, or the Citizens Advisory Committee Representative, Kelly Purnell, at: kellypurnell4@gmail.com.See the AACPS Budget info sheet here

Here’s the News:

Square 1 Art ordering is openYou’ve seen your child’s amazing artwork in the Square 1 Art packet that came home last week. And you’re thinking you’d really like to purchase some of these cool items with their artwork on it. With over 40 unique and useful keepsakes ready to purchase, it’s the perfect gift for any occasion and another way to raise funds for the school. You need to order by March 28th by sending in your order forms, or you can order online by clicking here. The access code is on the paperwork that came home with information. Any questions, contact chairperson, Melissa Allen.

Candy Bar Bingo is Sweet Fun this FridayCome one and all to the super fun, always exciting, Candy Bar Bingo! It’s a fun family night with sweet, sweet prizes. This year’s event, sponsored by the DES PTO, will be held on Friday, March 23rd in the DES Cafeteria, from 6 to 8 pm. Everyone that wants to play should bring along a candy bar to enter. Take a look at the Science Fair projects on display in the Media Center while you’re there!

It’s Science Fair Week at DES!Bring on the annual DES Science Fair! Projects are due this Thursday beginning at 9:00 am. Parents can drop the kids at school with the projects as there will be someone to supervise them until they go to class. Remember that student names should be on the BACK of their display boards. The Science Fair takes place on Friday with judges on hand to rate the projects. Everyone is invited to attend the Open House event on Friday evening, from 6-7:30 pm, to see all the projects on display in the Media Center.

Science Fair could use some food purchasesScience Fair judging is taking place this Friday and the committee has been preparing for it all. In order to feed the volunteer judges, there is a Sign-Up Genius asking for items from anyone who can help. Check out the sign-up to find out what you can do. And thank you ahead of time. Visit: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c4baaab2ba3f94-science.

DES PTO presents the 5th Annual Spelling Bee!Preliminary Rounds will be held at 8 am in the cafeteria on:Monday, April 9: Grades 2 & 3Tuesday, April 10: Grades 4 & 5**Preliminary Rounds will determine top 10 spellers from each grade**
*Students must participate in Preliminaries to advance to the Bee*Top 10 spellers from each grade will compete in the Spelling Bee on Thursday, April 19th at 6pm. To register for Preliminary Rounds, e-mail Kasy Schnabel at: kasyschnabel@gmail.com. Please include the following: Child’s name, grade, teacher, and parent name.

Superstar Fitness program is back for springK-2nd graders are welcome to join in the fun for the Superstar Kids Fitness program which begins April 13th and is held before school from 8:15 to 9:15 am. Find all the details on the flier and send in your registration form with payment to DES PTO, in an envelope marked “Superstar Fitness Program.” Any questions, contact Angie Mackey at: angiemackey01@gmail.com.See the Spring 2018 Superstar Kids program flier here

Truly your last chance for a YearbookJust when you thought you’d missed your chance to get a Yearbook for this year, the committee has opened up a very short extension to let everyone get their orders in. You must do so by March 31st. The cost is $18 for a non-personalized book. There are extra items available. Ordering is online at: http://www.yearbookforever.com. All of the directions are included on the flier. Contact Steph Brooks at: tobgr8ful@gmail.com.See flier online

Yearbook committee welcomes photos – but act quickly!The Yearbook committee is requesting some help in gathering photos of several events and groups. Take a look at the flier that lists specific groups and has guidelines on how to submit them. All photos are needed by March 23rd.See the Yearbook Photo info. page here

Sign up for the Gator Gallop – a day full of FUN!Saturday, May 12th is the date for the fantastically fun and family-friendly Gator Gamble event. Bring everyone to DAA Park for this super cool day The Gator Gallop is a fun run benefitting Davidsonville Elementary School and is open to everyone. Please join us for the 5K (8:00 am), 1 Mile (9:00 am for the kids) or the 100 yard gallop (just after the mile, for 2-11 year olds). It’s a great family event with post-race refreshments, prizes and even a Mascot chase for some added DES fun. Register today at: http://bit.ly/2mqv3WV.

Reminder: Tennis anyone?Tennis sessions at DES will begin on April 13th for ages 7 and up, and the program is filling up. The classes will be held on Fridays after school, from 3:55-4:55. Cost is $99 for 6 weeks (April 13-May 18). Registration is online, but send in checks to the school office (marked for Tennis) and payable to DES PTO. Register at: http://tinyurl.com/DESTennis18See flier online

A note from the school:As happens every school year, we continue to receive reports from parents that their child has developed head lice. When our Health Room becomes aware of such cases, they maintain close communication with the parents of the infected students. Due to Health Department policy, they are not able to check an entire class, nor does a letter go home alerting parents of a single case in a classroom. As a school, we have the ability to send a letter if we feel there is an outbreak, specifically, several students being infected within the same class or group. So far this school year, we have had random cases affecting all grade levels. We are committed to keeping our students safe while following the policies in place. If your child does become infected, please help us by notifying our Health Room. This will allow us to keep an eye on any potential outbreaks. If you have specific questions, please contact our Health Room staff.

Public Service Announcements:

2018 Green Expo is this SaturdayThe Green Expo is set to happen at DES on Saturday, March 24th from 10 am to 2 pm. Free admission and everyone is encouraged to come and learn more about all of the environmental groups and projects happening in our local area. There’s a ton of information, free trees, and something for everyone to enjoy. Hosted by the Davidsonville Area Civic Association.See the 2018 Green Expo flier here

Poster Contest for the Green ExpoThe Green Expo hosts an annual Poster Contest for students in the area. See the rules and info. on the flier. Bring posters to the Green Expo on Saturday, judging starts at 10 am and winners will be announced at noon. The poster theme this year is “Clean Green.”See the 2018 Green Expo Poster Contest flier here

Gator Day is May 5It’s going to be a super fun day outdoors with playtime, dance, food and much more. Hosted by DAA, the event will be on Saturday, May 5th at Davidsonville Park (3042 Patuxent River Road, Davidsonville, MD), from 10 am to 8 pm. Athletic competitions, clinics and combines, along with games, food trucks, silent auction, vendors, and music. Proceeds will benefit the Davidsonville Athletic Association. Questions? Want to volunteer? Contact gatorday@daagators.org.

Here’s the News:

Gator Gallop Running ClubIf you have a 3rd-5th grader who is interested in training for the Gator Gallop 5K on May 12, please sign them up for the Gator Gallop Running Club! We will be training on Mondays and Thursdays after school starting March 22. We will encourage good habits, good form, and having fun! Please see the flier for all the details, and send the form and snack fee back with your child to the attention of “Gator Gallop Running Club.” Don’t forget to sign up for the Gator Gallop on May 12!! Visit: http://bit.ly/2mqv3WV.See the 2018 Gator Gallop flier here

Parent Workshop invitationAll parents are invited to attend a two-part Parent Workshop on “The Power of Growth Mindset.” A growth mindset encourages children to believe that they can transcend natural abilities, using dedication and hard work to improve their lives. Find out more about the workshop on the program flier.See the Growth Mindset program flier here

In Recognition: Volunteer of the Month for JanuaryStacy TerryStacy Terry was selected as the DES PTO’s Volunteer of the month for January, 2018. Stacy volunteers her time at DES in many ways including Square One Art, Gator Gamble, Box Tops, and Holiday Shoppe. Stacy and her husband have 3 kids: Emilee (7th grade), Kaylee (4th grade), and a future gator Avaree (age 3). Stacy works with her husband full-time at their carpet cleaning business, All Hands Carpet Cleaning. Thanks Stacy for all that you do for the students and staff at DES!

Public Service Announcements:

Books for BabiesThere is a collection box at DES in the main hallway near the front door for the Books for Babies book drive, to gather donations for local hospitals to help families build their home libraries. You are welcome to drop off book donations any time, or you can visit this online shop to take part in an online Book Fair to raise funds for the effort. If you have any questions, e-mail: books4babiesmd@gmail.com.See the Books for Babies flier here

Spring Soccer ready to startDAA Spring Soccer is upon us with county practices starting next week. The group is particularly looking for U9 (birth year 2009) and U8 (birth year 2010) girls to fill the rosters. Other age groups open also. The youth development program will start playing on Friday evenings in April with registration closing soon. Birth years 2011 and younger are welcome to join. Sign up for all of these programs at daagators.org.

The Riva 5K invites you to participateSaturday, April 28th at 9 am, the Riva 5K Run & Walk will be held, hosted by the neighborhoods of Berkshire, Annapolis Landing, and Waterford. A fun event for all, proceeds benefit the Annapolis Gigi’s Playhouse, a Down Syndrome Achievement Center. They are looking for participants & sponsors. Visit this link for more info.See the 2018 Riva 5K flier here

Lacrosse for the ScoopersScoopers- Development Lacrosse, the K-1st age group (Boys born between 9/1/2010 and 8/31/2013), are welcome to register for the 2018 Lacrosse season. Season runs approximately April 1-May 16. Visit the DAA website: daagators.org.See the DAA Scoopers Lacrosse flier here

Here’s the News:

Mixed Bag ordering extended thru MondayWe are holding the Mixed Bag Fundraiser open until the end of the day on Monday for all of you who haven’t yet gotten your orders in. So, hurry up and shop! You can turn in paper orders (they earn a higher percentage for the school) or you can still shop online by clicking here for direct access. Last chance to get yourself some great products and help raise funds at the same time. Thanks again to all who have ordered.

We REALLY Need Volunteer Help!Recess Monitors are needed at DESSign up for one day, or many days, or any days at all. If you can find some time to help as a Recess Monitor at the school, we would very much appreciate any time you have. Come in during recess and assist kids in grades 1-5 with games, supervise their safety, and accompany their bathroom trips! (No monitors needed for kindergarten) This volunteer position is Weather Permitting. Visit the link for more info. or to sign up:http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080C4AACAA2CA20-recess3. Please consider signing up for any of the many available slots.

Math 24 Club newsWe held our in-school Math 24 competition on Wednesday, Feb. 28th. The following students will be representing Davidsonville Elementary at the County-wide competition in April.5th Grade – Matthew Do and Brayden Marcus4th Grade – Spencer Lawrence and Dylan Flannery3rd Grade – Tristan Watkins and Declan SchnabelWe will continue to meet for Math 24 on Wednesdays from 4 to 5 PM for the next five weeks. Last club meeting will be on April 4th.

Black-Eyed Susan Novels & Graphic NovelsDiscussion GroupsMrs. Frank will be hosting 4 meetings for 4th and 5th grade students who wish to discuss this year’s MD Black-Eyed Susan Novels and Graphic Novels nominees before voting takes place later this month. These will be drop-in sessions (no need to sign up), 8:15-9:15 AM, and students may attend any or all of the sessions. The meetings and targeted discussion topics areMonday, March 5th (Regular Novels discussion)Tuesday, March 6th (Graphic Novels discussion)Monday, March 12th (Graphic Novels discussion)Tuesday, March 13th (Regular Novels discussion)Students who have been reading and evaluating the nominees have all received printed reminder notices about the meetings. Questions? Contact Mrs. Frank at cmfrank@aacps.org.

Book It ProgramRemember to turn in completed February Book It calendars this week! The March Book It calendar, which is the last calendar for this school year, is attached for you to print at home and have your child log his or her reading. You can find all of the prior monthly calendars on the DES PTO website at this link: http://despto.org/programs-clubs/pto-programs/reading-incentive-program/. For questions, contact program chairperson Cathy Manofsky at: cathymanofsky@gmail.com.See calendar attached

Cooking Class start pushed back to March 8Teach your children about healthy eating, nutrition and cooking in this 8 week session of Deliciously Nutritious Food Adventurers. Meeting on Thursdays after school (3:55 to 5:15), the class is open to all grades and the class will now begin on March 8th. Class costs $150, checks made out to DES PTO. Send in registrations, marked for Cooking Class. Contact Melissa Sherwood at 410-553-1182 or e-mail: delishdish4@yahoo.com.See new flier attached

Reminder: Gator Gallop Running Club for grades 3-5If you have a 3rd-5th grader who is interested in training for the Gator Gallop 5K on May 12, sign them up for the Gator Gallop Running Club! We will be training on Mondays and Thursdays after school starting March 22. See the flier for all the details, and send the form and snack fee back with your child to the attention of “Gator Gallop Running Club.”See flier online

Reminder: Engineering Club registration last chanceAll grade levels are welcome to this 10 week group, meeting on Thursdays before school (8:15-9:15) beginning March 15. Registration deadline is March 9th. If you did not participate in the fall, no problem! Send in registrations marked for “Engineering Club.”Questions? E-mail: b.emenanjo@gmail.com.See flier online

Reminder: Spelling Club sign up ends FridayThe DES Spelling Bee Club is for children grades 2-5. The club meets after school on Fridays (March 9-April 13) practicing spelling words and learning to spell in front of an audience. Note: your student does NOT have to take part in this club to participate in the Spelling Bee. Deadline is March 9th. Contact Kasy Schnabel (kasyschnabel@gmail.com).See flier online

Reminder: Tennis program returns – register onlineTennis sessions at DES will begin on April 13th for ages 7 and up, and we’d like to get everyone registered and ready prior to Spring Break. The classes will be held on Fridays after school, from 3:55-4:55. Cost is $99 for 6 weeks (April 13-May 18). Registration is online, but send in checks to the school office (marked for Tennis) and payable to DES PTO. Register at: http://tinyurl.com/DESTennis18See flier online

Public Service Announcements:

Looking for a few more young Laxers for 2018 DAAScoopers- Development Lacrosse, the K-1st age group (Boys born between 9/1/2010 and 8/31/2013), are welcome to register for the 2018 Lacrosse season. Season runs approximately April 1-May 16 with free play/warm-up skills session in mid-March. Loaner gear pick up also in mid-March. Practices either Monday or Tuesdays with games on Wed. nights, 6:30-7:30 pm. New coaches are welcome, you can start out as an assistant. For more info, visit the DAA website: http://daagators.org/.

Permanent link to this article: http://despto.org/gator-blast-archive-march-2018/